Securing IoT Devices: Why Automated Security Solutions Are Critical in Combating Botnet Threats

As the number of connected IoT devices continues to surge globally, the risk of cyberattacks targeting these devices is increasing at an alarming rate. A recent joint cybersecurity advisory revealed that actors linked to the People’s Republic of China have compromised hundreds of thousands of IoT devices, using them to create vast botnets capable of launching large-scale Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) attacks . This underscores the critical need for robust security measures to protect not just individual devices, but entire networks.

At the heart of these botnet operations is the exploitation of vulnerabilities in IoT device firmware. Many of these devices, often running outdated or unsupported firmware, become easy targets for attackers. Yet, even devices under vendor support have been compromised, raising concerns about how consistently and quickly vendors are addressing known vulnerabilities. This is where automated vulnerability detection and monitoring, like that offered by ONEKEY, becomes essential. By automating security processes, vendors can detect and patch vulnerabilities promptly, significantly reducing the window of opportunity for attackers to exploit them.

Emerging regulations like the EU Cyber Resilience Act, RED and U.S. Cyber Trust Mark, along with similar global standards, i.e. IEC 62443, ISO303645 and many others, are pushing vendors to take greater responsibility for the security of their devices. These regulations emphasize the need for continuous updates to address known vulnerabilities throughout a product’s lifecycle. Compliance with these standards ensures that vendors remain accountable for providing timely security patches, helping to protect consumers and businesses from cyber threats.

However, addressing vulnerabilities isn’t just about reacting to threats—it’s about continuous, proactive management. Security activities around a product cannot stop when the product is released. The lifecycle of an IoT device demands ongoing security updates, monitoring, and assessments to ensure it remains resilient in the face of new and evolving threats. Automated solutions play a critical role here, enabling vendors to monitor for potential vulnerabilities in real time and roll out necessary fixes before attacks can cause significant damage.

For organizations, this means that investing in automated security solutions is no longer optional—it’s essential. By leveraging highly automated platforms like ONEKEY, which provides real-time vulnerability detection and comprehensive firmware analysis, businesses can safeguard their IoT devices and minimize financial and operational risks. The integration of automated security solutions allows for quicker responses to threats, ensuring compliance with international standards and ultimately protecting the broader network ecosystem.

In today’s rapidly changing cybersecurity landscape, securing IoT devices is a continuous process. Automated tools ensure that vendors can provide the timely fixes required by regulations such as the EU Cyber Resilience Act, while also reducing the exposure to operational risks posed by botnets and other malicious activities. Now more than ever, the responsibility for securing connected devices extends far beyond the point of sale—security must be an ongoing commitment throughout a product’s life.

Looking at the current adoption rate of "product cybersecurity" in the market - there is still a long way to go for many vendors. Fragmented national standards can be a burden for global organizations marketing global products. Automated cybersecurity analysis and compliance checkers help achieve and maintain local compliance at a competitive cost.